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标签： Jamaica

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  • Keeping the house clean

    Keeping the house clean

    Jamaica has taken decisive action to protect its nascent gaming sector from organized criminal infiltration through a newly established cooperation framework between key regulatory bodies. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and the Casino Gaming Commission represents a strategic move to prevent the nation’s reinstatement to the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) increased monitoring list.

    Colonel Desmond Edwards, Director General of MOCA, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining Jamaica’s hard-won removal from the FATF grey list in 2024 after four years of heightened scrutiny. “We don’t want to go back on the list,” Edwards stated, noting that grey list status severely diminishes a country’s appeal to international investors due to perceived high-risk categorization.

    The FATF, as the global watchdog combating money laundering and terrorist financing, places nations on its grey list when their anti-financial crime frameworks are deemed inadequate. Edwards highlighted that Jamaica’s delisting resulted from concerted efforts across multiple sectors to address systemic vulnerabilities.

    Gaming industries worldwide remain particularly susceptible to money laundering schemes, necessitating robust regulatory structures. The newly signed MOU establishes stringent protocols to prevent illicit funds from entering Jamaica’s gaming ecosystem while fostering investor confidence and public trust.

    Casino Gaming Commission Chairman Ryan Reid characterized the agreement as demonstrating Jamaica’s commitment to industry integrity. “We are putting structures in place to combat anything or any intentions they may have,” Reid stated, referencing potential bad actors seeking to exploit the emerging sector.

    Commission CEO Cleveland Allen clarified that Jamaica’s vision differs markedly from traditional gambling hubs like Las Vegas. Instead, the nation aims to integrate casino gaming as one component of a diversified tourism offering rather than establishing itself as a primary gaming destination.

    The regulatory foundation was strengthened on February 10 when Jamaica’s House of Representatives approved the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations 2025. These comprehensive rules govern administrative processes, licensee obligations, record-keeping, reporting requirements, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure transparent and orderly industry operations.

  • ‘I feel loved’: Irish MP overwhelmed by Jamaican response to viral speech

    ‘I feel loved’: Irish MP overwhelmed by Jamaican response to viral speech

    Sinn Féin politician Thomas Gould has become an unexpected global sensation after a parliamentary speech revealed striking phonetic parallels between his native Cork accent and Jamaican patois. The viral moment has triggered an unprecedented wave of international engagement, particularly from Caribbean audiences, while simultaneously illuminating centuries-old historical connections between Ireland and Jamaica.

    The Cork North-Central representative expressed astonishment at the overwhelming social media response, acknowledging he had never previously recognized the vocal similarities himself. “I know I have a very strong accent and speak rapidly,” Gould noted. “When I listen to Jamaicans speak, some demonstrate remarkably similar speech patterns.”

    Linguistic experts suggest the phenomenon stems from Cork’s distinctive northside dialect, which differs significantly from the more refined accents typically heard in Ireland’s political chambers. Gould observed that parliamentary discourse has historically been dominated by “posher and more affluent” regional accents, making his working-class Cork inflection particularly noticeable.

    The convergence of accents reveals deeper historical threads dating to the 17th century, when thousands of Irish migrants arrived in the Caribbean under indentured servitude. Most Jamaican-bound Irish originated from Cork and Munster, bringing their linguistic traditions to the island. While their conditions were brutally harsh, Gould clarified these indentured workers faced marginally better treatment than African slaves.

    Despite minimal Jamaican residency in modern Cork, Gould highlighted Dublin’s vibrant Jamaican community that annually celebrates Independence Day. The politician characterized the unexpected viral attention as a positive unifying force amid global tensions, stating: “We are all friends. There are larger world problems, and shared laughter creates connection. The supportive messages have been unbelievable.”

  • Cable clean-up coming

    Cable clean-up coming

    FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has responded to growing public frustration over dangling cables remaining on utility poles following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, clarifying that electrical restoration takes precedence over immediate aesthetic concerns.

    Corporate Communications Director Winsome Callum explained the company’s structured recovery approach involves distinct phases. The initial critical phase focuses exclusively on re-energizing communities and ensuring public safety, while comprehensive cable removal constitutes a secondary clean-up operation scheduled after power normalization.

    “Our absolute priority remains restoring electricity to affected customers,” Callum stated. “These dangling cables will definitely be removed during the second wave—this isn’t a permanent situation. We deploy all available resources initially for power restoration, followed by systematic clean-up operations.”

    The communications director emphasized safety protocols, noting all hanging cables have been de-energized and repositioned where possible to eliminate hazards during continuing restoration efforts.

    Complicating the clean-up process, many suspended cables belong not to JPS but to telecommunications providers operating under joint pole agreements. Callum clarified regulatory constraints prevent unilateral removal of partner companies’ infrastructure without coordinated planning.

    “We maintain collaborative relationships with partner utilities and coordinate removals through mutual communication,” Callum explained. “We’re not authorized to independently remove other providers’ installations.”

    While major cable companies remained unavailable for comment, an anonymous community cable operator revealed smaller providers received explicit timelines from JPS regarding clean-up schedules in specific regions. The operator confirmed compliance with directives to remove equipment preemptively to avoid irreversible removal by JPS crews during pole maintenance operations.

    The operator suggested remaining dangling cables likely belong to larger telecommunications providers who may not have adhered to the coordinated removal schedule, particularly evident in areas like Falmouth where loose wires remain visibly suspended from utility poles.

  • Regional leaders encouraged by first round of engagement with Rubio

    Regional leaders encouraged by first round of engagement with Rubio

    BASSETERRE, St Kitts – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders expressed optimism following a diplomatic engagement with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the 50th regular CARICOM summit on Wednesday. The high-level meeting, which included both group deliberations and bilateral discussions, marked a significant step in strengthening ties between the North American superpower and its Caribbean neighbors.

    Regional leaders described Rubio’s address as unexpectedly positive, with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne characterizing the message as ‘very encouraging’ despite initial concerns about the tone it might take. The Secretary of State’s brief but impactful statement emphasized geographical proximity, shared populations, and common humanity as foundational elements for enhanced cooperation.

    Prime Minister Browne highlighted the strategic importance of the Caribbean diaspora in the United States as a natural bridge between the regions, noting that Rubio’s comments signaled a renewed commitment to partnership. The discussions, expected to extend beyond an hour, were anticipated to address specific areas of mutual interest and collaboration.

    Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit similarly welcomed the diplomatic exchange, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue on pressing regional issues. While withholding specific details of the closed-door discussions, Skerrit confirmed that both Caribbean and American concerns would be thoroughly addressed, describing the Secretary’s presence as a positive development in itself.

    The summit represents a recalibration of US-Caribbean relations, with leaders expressing confidence that the engagement would lead to more structured cooperation on economic, security, and developmental matters affecting the region.

  • U20 Reggae Boyz beat Bonaire 3-0 to kick-start Concacaf championship

    U20 Reggae Boyz beat Bonaire 3-0 to kick-start Concacaf championship

    WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao — Jamaica’s Under-20 national team launched their Concacaf qualification campaign with an authoritative 3-0 victory against tournament newcomers Bonaire in Group B action on Monday. The match, held at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca, established Jamaica as early group leaders on goal differential.

    The young Reggae Boyz demonstrated tactical superiority despite finishing the match with ten men following the dismissal of substitute Jamoy Dennis, who received two yellow cards during his second-half appearance.

    Jamaica’s offensive prowess was evident throughout the contest, with Sean Leighton breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute through a precise close-range header. Deshawn Talbert doubled the advantage just before halftime, finding the net in the 43rd minute to establish a comfortable 2-0 lead at the interval.

    The victory was sealed in the 71st minute when substitute Raequan Campbell-Dennis delivered the final blow, effectively eliminating any possibility of a Bonaire comeback.

    This opening round victory places Jamaica atop Group B standings after other group matches concluded with narrow 2-1 victories for Turks and Caicos Islands over Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico against St Kitts/Nevis.

    The Jamaican squad continues their qualification journey Wednesday with a 7:00 PM fixture against Turks and Caicos Islands. This tournament serves as the qualifying pathway not only for the 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship but also determines participation in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games and the 2027 Pan American Games.

  • Seretse returns to the stage after two decades

    Seretse returns to the stage after two decades

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark musical event that breaks a twenty-year performance hiatus, legendary Jamaican guitarist Seretse will grace the stage once again at the ‘Herbie Miller Presents Jazz Night’ on Thursday, February 26. The highly anticipated concert will unfold at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, commencing at 7:30 PM.

    This comeback performance promises to showcase a surprising dimension of the artist’s talent—his prowess as a rock guitarist—a revelation likely to astonish long-time followers of his distinguished career. Seretse has curated a diverse setlist that he describes as encompassing ‘interpretations of Jamaican music, great jazz and R&B standards, music of the African Diaspora, and original compositions spanning Afro funk, calypso jazz, and Reggae jazz.’

    The return marks a significant moment in Caribbean music. Rather than a mere performance, Seretse frames this event as a ‘strategic re-entry into public performance and a statement of artistic intent’ for the forthcoming chapter of his professional journey. His two-decade absence was dedicated to foundational work in music education, most notably through building the Avant Academy of Music, alongside other institutional projects.

    Now, as an fully realized musician, esteemed educator, and cultural philosopher, Seretse re-emerges onto the performance scene with a refined and uncompromising artistic vision, prepared to communicate profoundly through his instrument. A leading force in Jamaican music education for nearly forty years and a 2012 inductee into the Caribbean Hall of Fame, Seretse is celebrated for his unique ability to synthesize Caribbean musical roots with the sophisticated traditions of North American jazz.

  • U20 Reggae Boyz beat Bonaire 3-0 in opening Concacaf qualifier

    U20 Reggae Boyz beat Bonaire 3-0 in opening Concacaf qualifier

    Jamaica’s Under-20 national team launched their CONCACAF qualification campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory against Bonaire in Group B action on Monday. The match, held at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca in Willemstad, Curaçao, saw the young Reggae Boyz establish early dominance with a two-goal lead by halftime before finishing with ten men following a second-half dismissal.

    The scoring opened in the 24th minute when Sean Leighton expertly headed the ball across the goal line from close range. Deshawn Talbert doubled Jamaica’s advantage just before halftime with a well-executed finish in the 43rd minute. Substitute Raequan Campbell-Dennis sealed the comprehensive victory in the 71st minute with a decisive third goal that effectively ended the contest.

    Despite the convincing win, Jamaica faced adversity when second-half substitute Jamoy Dennis received two yellow cards in quick succession, resulting in his dismissal and forcing the team to play the remainder of the match with reduced numbers. The disciplinary setback didn’t prevent Jamaica from maintaining their clean sheet and securing all three points.

    The victory places Jamaica atop Group B on goal difference following narrow 2-1 victories by Turks and Caicos Islands over Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico over St Kitts Nevis in the group’s other opening matches. The tournament serves as qualification for multiple prestigious international competitions, including the 2026 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, and the 2027 Pan American Games.

    Jamaica’s U-20 squad will return to action on Wednesday evening with a crucial match against Turks and Caicos Islands at 7:00 PM local time.

  • MOU signed for development of Montego Bay Sports Complex

    MOU signed for development of Montego Bay Sports Complex

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — A landmark agreement was formalized on Tuesday as Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited and the St James Municipal Corporation executed a 25-year lease for the Montego Bay Sports Complex. The signing ceremony, held at the Corporation’s offices, marks a transformative chapter for sports infrastructure in western Jamaica.

    Johann ‘Yoni’ Epstein, Chairman of Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited—the parent organization of Premier League club Montego Bay United—declared that substantial development work would now commence. The facility, originally gifted to the city by Venezuela under the PetroCaribe Agreement, is set to undergo major expansion and modernization.

    The company emerged as the sole bidder when the development tender concluded in November 2024, submitting a proposal valued at approximately $700 million. Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, who signed alongside CEO Naudia Crosskill, characterized the agreement as both “transformational and historic,” emphasizing its significance for the entire western region.

    The comprehensive redevelopment plan includes urgent refurbishment of structures severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, with football activities scheduled to resume in time for the 2026-27 season. Additional enhancements within the two-year timeline include restoration of the all-weather 400m running track, construction of an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and development of courts for racquet sports alongside specialized fields for futsal and scrimmage football.

  • Agriculture ministry says egg supply under watch amid farmers concerns

    Agriculture ministry says egg supply under watch amid farmers concerns

    Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is implementing strategic measures to balance market stability with local industry recovery following devastating hurricane impacts on the nation’s egg production sector. The government’s intervention comes as domestic producers struggle to rebuild after successive hurricanes crippled poultry operations.

    The crisis began with Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which disrupted production cycles across the industry. Before full recovery could occur, Hurricane Melissa struck on October 28, 2025, delivering a catastrophic blow to poultry infrastructure. Official assessments confirmed losses of approximately 400,000 laying hens, representing a substantial portion of the nation’s egg-laying capacity.

    This dual disaster scenario prompted immediate government action. The ministry authorized temporary egg imports with waived import duties, additional stamp duties, and general consumption tax—a measure initially scheduled to conclude on February 28, 2026. However, current production data indicates slower-than-expected recovery, with output for the first half of 2026 projected at 30-40% below the five-year average.

    Market analysis reveals domestic egg supply declined by approximately 40% post-Melissa, with full recovery estimated to require eight to twelve months. Monthly production levels are not expected to surpass 2025 benchmarks until August 2026 at the earliest, prompting the ministry to seek extension of import waivers until May 2026.

    The Jamaica Egg Farmers Association had previously implemented significant price adjustments, increasing recommended rates from $550 to $670 per dozen for unbranded eggs and from $580 to $700 for branded varieties. These increases, attributed to reduced production capacity and elevated operational costs, have placed additional pressure on consumers and hospitality businesses.

    The ministry emphasizes that its temporary import strategy remains under continuous evaluation to ensure neither local farmers nor consumers face market disadvantages. This calibrated approach aims to maintain price stability while domestic producers rebuild capacity, with the government committing to regular monitoring of both supply chains and farmer livelihoods throughout the recovery period.

  • Kuyah returns to open Jamaica Food and Drink Festival with flavour, fire and acoustics roots

    Kuyah returns to open Jamaica Food and Drink Festival with flavour, fire and acoustics roots

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The vibrant Jamaica Food and Drink Festival is poised to return from March 5th to 8th, launching with its signature culinary event, Kuyah. This premier gastronomic celebration will commence on Thursday, March 5th, at the Festival Marketplace in Downtown Kingston, offering an immersive experience from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

    Kuyah has cemented its status as a cornerstone event of the festival, renowned for its innovative reinterpretation of traditional Jamaican flavors. More than thirteen acclaimed chefs will showcase elevated Jamaican cuisine, demonstrating the dynamic evolution of the island’s culinary landscape. Attendees will embark on a gastronomic journey, sampling creatively transformed dishes that pay homage to heritage while embracing modern techniques.

    The experience is designed to be fully inclusive, featuring an array of premium beverages including select rums, beers, and Stone’s ginger wine served throughout the evening. Enhancing the cultural ambiance, two-time Grammy-nominated artist Jesse Royal will deliver a live acoustic performance, courtesy of Digicel’s support.

    Under the proud presentation of Visa and hosted by CB Foods, the festival underscores a committed partnership aimed at fostering growth within Jamaica’s hospitality sector. The 2026 staging of Kuyah is bolstered by support from key partners such as Scotiabank, Digicel, and Worthy Park.

    Highlighting the participating culinary talent is Chef Scotley Innis, proprietor of Continent ATL + Brooklyn, whose Caribbean-inspired cuisine perfectly aligns with Kuyah’s innovative spirit.

    Tickets for this exclusive event are priced at J$13,500 and are available for purchase via jafoodanddrink.com and select outlets including the Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen at Progressive Shopping Centre, Uncorked at Sovereign Centre, CPJ Market on Lady Musgrave Road, Genus Pharmacy in Portmore, and Bar House.

    Kuyah effectively sets the stage for four days of meticulously curated food events, culminating in a weekend that celebrates the excellence of Jamaica’s chefs, mixologists, and culinary entrepreneurs. From March 5–8, Kingston will transform into the epicenter of Caribbean gastronomy, drawing food enthusiasts to experience the region’s rich culinary culture.